Judicial Officer - Assigned

Superior Court of Fulton County; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Superior Court of Fulton County in Atlanta seeks a Judicial Officer (Independent Contractor) assigned to the Family Division, to preside over calendar matters, hearings, and related rulings.

The role requires substantial family law experience, good standing with the Georgia Bar, and adherence to training requirements; you will issue orders, manage dockets, and coordinate with guardians ad litem and ADR processes.

This role supports fairness, efficiency, and accessibility in family law matters.

Qualifications

• Good standing with the State Bar of Georgia and residency in Fulton County.
• Seven years of family law experience, or equivalent judicial experience.
• Appointment as a Magistrate Judge under applicable law.
• Twenty hours of initial training, plus annual training thereafter.

Responsibilities

• Preside over assigned Family Division calendars, hearings, and rulings.
• Rule on motions and contested matters, including discovery disputes and venue issues.
• Enter orders related to case administration and management, including Guardian ad Litem appointments and ADR referrals.
• Hear matters involving child support, paternity, legitimation, and other domestic relations issues.
• Perform other judicial duties as assigned by the Chief Judge or designated judges.

Skills

Family Law

Judicial Experience

Fulton County Resident

Education

Licensed Attorney in Georgia

Job description

JUDICIAL OFFICER - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR - ASSIGNED

SALARY GRADE

Unclassified Position

(Current Vacancy in Family Division)

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the justice system? Consider joining our team at the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, as a Judicial Officer - Independent Contractor assigned to Judge Shukura L. Ingram, where your work will support fairness, efficiency, and accessibility for all who come before the Court.

As Georgia’s busiest trial court, we are dedicated to providing an impartial, timely, and safe forum for resolving legal disputes. Every team member contributes to upholding these mission‑driven principles and strengthening public trust in the judiciary.

If you are looking to build a rewarding career while making a difference every day, we invite you to apply and become part of our committed and service‑focused team.

Selection Process:

The committee shall also include the chairperson and the immediate past chairperson of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Family Law Section, as well as two community representatives involved in family-related services. Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s recommendation(s), the Court will make its appointment(s) at its discretion, with the understanding that the authority to appoint Judicial Officers rests solely with the Court. The nominating committee shall review applications and make recommendations for the selection of Judicial Officers for the Family Division.

Minimum Qualifications; Licenses; Special Requirements

Applicants must be in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia; be a resident of Fulton County; and have substantial experience in family law, defined as at least seven (7) years of:

• (a) a law practice with 50% or more devoted to family law cases;
• (b) judicial experience in a court where 50% or more of the docket consists of family law cases; or
• (c) a combination of both.

Applicants must also demonstrate good moral character, possess the temperament necessary to handle domestic relations matters, and be well-regarded by the Bar for their experience and knowledge. Each Judicial Officer shall be appointed as a Magistrate Judge in accordance with applicable law.

Training:

Each Judicial Officer shall complete twenty (20) hours of training within the first calendar year of appointment, including four (4) hours of domestic violence training coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council in partnership with the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers, and the Family Division’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar.

Thereafter, each Judicial Officer shall complete annual training consistent with the requirements of the State Bar of Georgia or, alternatively, satisfy the training requirements applicable to magistrates under governing law.

Duties:

Judicial Officers serve by designation of the Judges of the Superior Court of Fulton County and exercise judicial authority as authorized by law, court rules, and applicable administrative orders. Judicial Officers are responsible for presiding over assigned Family Division proceedings, conducting hearings, managing assigned dockets, evaluating evidence and legal arguments, issuing rulings, and entering appropriate orders consistent with the authority delegated by the Court.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Presiding over assigned Family Division calendars, including status conferences, scheduling conferences, and other case management proceedings.
• Hearing and ruling on motions and contested matters, including discovery disputes, venue issues, service of process matters, and other procedural issues.
• Conducting hearings and entering orders in domestic relations matters, including interim and temporary orders, uncontested matters, consent orders, judgments on the pleadings, and final orders and judgments as authorized.
• Entering orders related to case administration and management, including appointing Guardian ad Litem and Social Services Coordinators, referring matters to Alternative Dispute Resolution and other court programs when appropriate, consolidating related cases, and addressing other case management issues.
• Hearing matters involving child support, paternity, legitimation, and other domestic relations issues as assigned.
• Issuing orders for service by publication and other procedural matters as authorized.
• Performing other judicial duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Judge, or designated Superior Court Judges.

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and level of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Superior Court of Fulton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Applicants may request a copy of the County’s EEOP Utilization Report by contacting Superior Court Human Resources at [e-mail].